Embedded Files
*Poster Made with Preliminary Data from 4/21/25
Purpose
Purpose
This study aimed to examine whether a single session of moderate-intensity exercise has an immediate and measurable effect on cognitive performance in young adults. Additionally, it sought to clarify the inconsistencies found in previous research. If positive effects are observed, the findings could have practical implications for daily habits and routines.
Background Information
Background Information
The benefits of physical activity on the human body and cognitive functions have been widely studied. Physical activity has been reported to have a positive impact on both short and long-term memory, as well as cognitive function overall. Moderate-intensity exercise specifically has been shown to provide major benefits to the body. It is high enough intensity to have beneficial effects, but not too high to cause pain, burnout, or injury. Studies in this area often contradict each other depending on the procedures and parameters they follow. Though there have been multiple literature-based meta-analyses performed, there has yet to be a specific study that has incorporated the following: the word list memory technique, the psychomotor vigilance test, and cycling for this age group.
Methods
Methods
Participants: Healthy adults ages 18-24 were recruited through social media and word-of-mouth. Individuals with cardiovascular, metabolic, or renal disease, or on medications like beta-blockers were excluded.
Design: A randomized within subjects cross over design was used, with participants completing two treatments (20 min of moderate intensity aerobic exercise and 20 min of seated rest) separated by at least one week.
Procedures: participants arrived fasted, completed the informed consent and IPAQ, and underwent baseline measurements (height, weight, body compositions, heart rate, and blood pressure). They then completed a memory recall and reaction time test. After treatment (exercise or seated rest) and a 10-15 minute recovery period, cognitive tests were repeated.
Statistical Analyses: Repeated measure 2 x 2 (Treatment x Time) ANOVA.
Table 1: Subject Descriptive Characteristics
Figure 1: Study Outline
Limitations
Limitations
Small, homogenous sample size
Population generally healthy and all met/exceeded the recommended 500-1000 MET·min·wk-1
Could be different results in a middle age to older population
Results
Results
The mean words remembered was 72.1% before exercise, and 82.6% after exercise. The mean words remembered before rest was 67.6% and 72.3% after. There were no significant treatment, time, or treatment x time effects for word recall. The mean reaction time was 349.9 ms before exercise, and 347.3 ms after exercise. The mean reaction time before rest was 337.1 ms and 337.8 ms after. There were no significant treatment, time, or treatment x time effects for word recall.
Figure 2: Changes in word recall percentage pre- and post- 20 minutes moderate intensity aerobic exercise or 20 minutes seated rest.
Figure 3: Changes in reaction time pre- and post- 20 minutes moderate intensity aerobic exercise or 20 minutes seated rest
Conclusion
Conclusion
These preliminary data do not support our hypothesis that a single bout of moderate intensity aerobic exercise could improve short-term memory or reaction time in healthy, college-aged men and women.
Meet The Team!
Meet The Team!
All photos below are of each team member.
Haley Boyer
Haley Boyer
Major: Kinesiology, Pre-Medical Studies
Minor: Nutrition
"This study has been an incredible opportunity for me to grow in communication, leadership, and teamwork. Getting to work with—and lead—this amazing group of girls over the past few months has been such a rewarding experience. Coordinating everything required clear and consistent communication to make sure everyone was on the same page and felt supported throughout the process."
Nina Griffiths
Nina Griffiths
Major: Kinesiology
Healthcare Sales Certificate
"Through working alongside my group members, my communication and teamwork skills have significantly improved. We are able to multitask with one person working directly with the participant while the other gathers and records information in a clear and concise fashion. This made the data collection process seamless and easygoing which made the study as a whole a very positive experience that I am thankful to be a part of."
Giana Camarata
Giana Camarata
Major: Biology, Pre-Medical Studies
"Throughout this experience my ability to communicate and work as a team has strengthened. Time management and organization have been important throughout this process, and I am grateful to have a supportive group of girls to have made it possible. I have grown personally and academically from this opportunity, making me more prepared for future academic and professional projects. "
Emma DaHinden
Emma DaHinden
Major: Biology, Pre-Medical Studies
Minor: Medical Sociology
"I am so glad I was given the opportunity to be involved in this study. It has allowed me to build confidence in teamwork and time-management skills. I was also able to enhance my communication skills with my team and the participants to solve problems and work toward our goals. This experience will without a doubt help me achieve my professional goals in the future. "
Dr. Kyle Timmerman
Dr. Kyle Timmerman
Interim Chair, Department of Kinesiology, Nutrition, and Health,
Associate Professor
Degrees:
Ph.D., Purdue University
M.S., Purdue University
B.S., Miami University | B.A., Miami University
Page updated
Report abuse